Awareness Exercise

Wisdom is not just about the mind. It is also a question of being: the state of one’s being. Sometimes life can seem shallow, the mind continuously darting around on the surface without much experience of real depth. The experience of depth paves the way for greater wisdom and understanding.

In order to bring about a greater depth of experience it is necessary to gain the ability to become truly still. This is not just stillness at the physical level but also stillness of the mental and emotional activity.

During the 10-week introductory Philosophy course this practice is developed, deepening the experience of stillness through connection with the senses. In addition to providing moments of inner peace, the exercise also sharpens our attention, enabling us to observe both our own inner world of mind, and the world around us, more clearly. What we observe provides some of the raw material for informing our philosophical studies.

thought for the week

The one I was searching for on the earth and in heaven, appeared residing in the recesses of my own heart.